Packing!

I am one of those people who packs early. I didn't used to be, and I forgot a lot of stuff! Clothes I needed, toothbrush, meds, and most commonly, pajamas. Nowadays I write a packing list. As a result, my packing tends to go a lot better. I still over-pack slightly, but I am unlikely to forget anything important. On my last few trips the worst I forgot was some kindly-given hand-me-down yarn for my mom that was a surprise random gift. No big deal!

On this first trip to Italy, I really don't need much more than clothes and toiletries. Apartments are typically furnished, so I don't need the home basics. Most apartments have their own small washing machine, sometimes in the bathroom and sometimes in the kitchen, so it will be easy to do laundry so I don't need a huge backlog of clothes. Of course, I do want to have a lot of different outfits :D Italy is another country, sure, but I don't feel like the supermarket will be so foreign and difficult that I can't buy toiletries like soap and conditioner there without help. So I don't need to bring that much, just starter size basics.

So far it looks like everything will fit into the one free suitcase I get as an international traveler. I will definitely bring a carry-on and a "personal item" AKA backpack, so I am pretty sure I will be OK...

Things I am considering bringing but may be space dependent:

1. Framed photos
2. Sewing kit
3. Stationary
4. Books
5. Art stuff (painting or sketching stuff... might need a new sketch book...)
6. GameBoy DS

Thoughts?